All the combinations may seem bewildering but we are going to cut through all of that. Trends will continue to come and go but some fundamentals remain true. This guide will give you the heads-up, on that section of cloth, that holds your head up.

Fit & The Finger Rule

source: GQ

This is the no-brainer. It has to be the right fit. Too big, it will look ridiculous. Too small, you'll be choking, and it will look ridiculous.

And you can't have the collar size adjusted. You buy it, you're stuck with it.

So, start with your neck - measure it and memorise it. Then, wearing a shirt with top button done up, you should be able to slide a finger in between the collar and your neck, maybe 2 at most. But not a fist.

Balance & Proportion

Whatever style of collar you go for, there are some basic considerations with respect to proportion and balance that are worth understanding:

Face Shape

The shape of the collar is important because it frames your face. If you have a long skinny face, balance it with a spread collar. Conversely, balance a round face with the narrower point collar. If you're somewhere in between, that's great, you can go either way.

Neck Length

Again it's about balance and proportion. If you have a particularly long neck you can regain some proportion with a taller spread collar. Shorter necked style magnates might opt for a shorter point collar. And thus equilibrium is restored.

Round-faced Frank Underwood swears he'll stick with narrow point collars.
A long-faced, long-necked Mr President meanwhile nails it with the tall spread.*

Body Size

Big guys - bigger collar. Small guys - smaller collar. Proportion.

Tie Considerations

Jeremy Piven gets the message
Wide spread collar - Windsor knot

Getting the message yet? Balance. And proportion.

If you're wearing a wider, spread collar you'll need a wider tie and knot. Full Windsor knot all the way for you. And while the skinnier ties might be on-trend at the moment, if you're a big beefy guy wearing a spread collar that's one trend you might want to buck.

Conversely, with a narrower spread or point collar you'll be needing a narrow knot. The four-in-hand knot is your friend.

And if you're somewhere in the middle, the Half-Windsor knot is an option, though you can go bigger or smaller as well.

When it comes to collars and ties, if your face, neck and body are in proportion, you have some room to move. You can mix it up a bit. However, paying attention to keeping things in balance can mean the difference between a discerning, and a disconcerting look.

Collar Shapes & Styles

There is a bewildering assortment of collar shapes and styles to sit your sartorial head above, so to simplify we've split things up. Firstly by basic shape, and then we'll consider some style variations.

Basic Shapes

Point Collar

Tom Ford - signature long point collar

The classic straight point collar could perhaps be considered your standard, and traditionally most popular shirt collar. It has a medium spread which makes it a versatile choice for a range of tie knots. Just don't go too large, or too small. Business by day with a tie. Relax and remove the tie for evening cocktails. It's an all-rounder.

For a more striking look, a variation is the long point collar, a Tom Ford favorite.

Spread Collar

Adrien Brody
balancing thin face with spread collar

The original spread collar is a British classic. More formal than the point, you'll be needing a wider, properly knotted tie and a well-cut suit. Remember to consider your proportions. Taller men with longer necks - go for a taller version of the spread. Our more diminutive dukes of style should scale things down accordingly.

Variations on the spread collar shirt abound. The semi-spread is a great all-rounder for most. Like the point collar, but more on trend right now, it's naturally a perfect balance between wide and narrow, hip and square, formal and casual.

Gordon Gecko contrast spread = power

For a more dramatic effect, consider a wide-spread, English spread or cutaway collar. Show off that beefy Windsor knot. Or combine with a contrast colour, suspenders and cuff links for that Gordon Gecko Wall St powerbroker vibe.

Andy Garcia - formal classic

Wing Tip

Exclusively used on tuxedo shirts, it is designed to allow more of your bowtie to be exposed. Weddings, very formal and special occasions only.

Jude Law - Mandarin action

Band Collar

Otherwise know as a Mandarin collar, it originated in southern Asia and generally is a slightly stiffer collar that is not folded over. While it's an option for formal occasions it's one we'd suggest a gentleman stay away from in day to day wear. Though Jude Law seems to get away with it.

Style Variations

Button Down Collar

With its US Ivy League roots the button down collar has a more casual, preppy air than the spread and point styles.

Button down - cool, preppy

Traditionally never to be worn with a tie, fashion times as always are a changin'. Though crusty stalwarts may disagree, The Style Magnate is of the opinion this rule no longer applies.

While inherently more casual than it's spread and point counterparts, it carries that old-school sophistication and cool. It's a versatile option that you can dress up with a tie or dress it down and go without. It's an excellent business casual option. Great combined with chinos, you can even hip it up by throwing a bow-tie in the mix.

The collar pin surfaced early last century as a way to keep softer collars such as silk in place for a better shape and a neater look. This also slightly elevated the tie giving it an air of sophistication appreciated by Fred Astaire and Gordon Gecko alike.

The pin collar, with its characteristic holes to fit the collar pin or bar, is experiencing a resurgence and is an excellent addition to any gentleman's wardrobe. Carl Thompson, founder of UK based "Pin Collar Shirts" has based his range around the concept for very good reason:

"At ‘Pin Collar Shirts’ we love the individualism, style and character of the Great British eccentric. Our mission is to bring back some of this individual style to the workplace, starting with our signature ‘Pin Collar Shirt’ range." - Carl Thompson, Founder PinCollarShirts.co.uk

This style is always to be worn with a tie. With the use of a collar pin, as it passes behind the tie knot, there is naturally less space for the knot itself so smaller ties and knots are the way forward with this style.

Tab Collar

The tab collar is similar to the pin collar insofar as it holds the collar in place and elevates the knot. A tab collar shirt has 2 small tabs underneath the collar points that connect behind the necktie pushing it up and out.

Stylistically similar to pin collar, though potentially more sporty. It's another variation of dress shirt collar that adds that little detail, that distinction, that can make it stand out from the pack.

Bond - oozing confidence knowing the tabs will elevate his tie knot and keep his collars from flapping around.

Originating in Eton in the 19th century, the rounded club collar is cropping up more and more in designer collections.

It's less dressy than the point or spread, but not as casual as the button down.

Informal. Yet exclusive.

You're in the club.

Collar Tool Kit

Armed now with your wardrobe of great fitting shirts, each with just the right collar for your body, face and occasion, consider investing in a collar tool kit. A basic kit would contain collar stays and a cleaning agent. The stays will keep those point and spread collars in place (and not a bad gift idea for the style mogul who has almost everything). A wash and stain bar helps to remove any stains or those unfortunate yellowish blemishes off of the collar rim.

Dos and Don'ts

Thou shalt not pop thy collars. A turn down collar is to be turned down. No exception. Even polo shirts.

If you need to wear a dress shirt with a jacket, but without a tie, go for one with a stiffer collar.

If it's a button down shirt, button it down. No flapping. It won't make a statement. Other than "I'm lazy" or "I'm clueless".

Pin and tab collar shirts - always with a tie.

If your wearing a tie, tie it right. No point having the ideal collar if your tie is a shemozzle.

If your collar is frayed or stained, do not wear the shirt.

While it may be considered ok to wear a tie with a button down shirt - never with a double breasted jacket.

Remember the fundamentals - balance and proportion.

So, that about sums up the essentials of your dress shirt collar. There is a lot to consider, we could go into crazy deeper detail about shapes and styles however if you stick to the basic rules outlined above of balance, proportion, and occasion you'll be ahead of the pack.

And don't forget, to easily find the shirts that are the right fit for your size, shape and style, check out www.sizemikk.com

* Kevin Spacey and Michael Gill play Frank Underwood and President Garrett in House of Cards. Catch it on Netflix

The team at Pellicano draw their inspiration from their own personal style icons including Jean Paul Belmondo, Marcello Mastroianni, Miles Davis and even James Bond (Sean and Daniel... of course!)

All their garments are designed in London and then lovingly manufactured in Italy by well-established family run businesses using local cottons and silks. Most of the garments are individually numbered limited editions. The shirts are all hand finished with French seams and mother of pearl buttons. Their ties and pocket squares are carefully handmade from silk sourced from Como.

High quality pieces at affordable prices.

Pellicano are developing a range of highly individualised styles:

penny collars for the office or off duty;

pointed collars which wink at classic continental styling rather than the usual cut back collar shirt which dominate offices all around the city;

and finally button downs that don't just hark back to the styles of misspent youths, but embrace quality Italian prints on elegant styled slim fit shirting.

Classic styling and a classic clean cut are key elements to their range of unusually elegant menswear.

Taking cues from the Italian obsession with “pavoneggiarsi”* style and mixing it with a splash of 21st century British swagger they are assembling a range of handcrafted, exclusive and distinctive clothing pieces and accessories that stand apart from the mass produced “clobber” found on the high street.

British Swagger, Italian Style

We're very pleased to be able to say that you'll be able to find the Pellicano Shirts that are the right fit for you very soon at www.sizemikk.com.